Heater Help

[Ahruk]

Okay so I'm not really sure if this is actually help thread or a rant thread...Basically for the past week my heater has not been keeping the temperature stable. It's been randomly bouncing between around 78-80.5 degrees and while I don't care about my tank being a little bit hotter then I like (I have it set for 78) this fluctuation is making me worry about the heater going out. This is not at all related related to weather. I've gotten even more anal then I normally am about checking the temperature (checking every hour or so instead of once or twice a day like normal) and worrying constantly that the stupid heater is going to go out. I already had one heater blow out on me earlier this year and woke up to find my tank 69 degree, somehow everything was miraculously okay. My question is should I yank the heater and buy a new one? If so what should I get? (both of my heaters have been eihem jagers rated for at least double my tank size)

 

[Ahruk]

Bump

 

[reefwiser]

So you have two heaters I. Your tank? That are overages for the size tank you have. They are working against each other. In that they are coming on and off at different times causing the over heating. You are best served by using a Ranco heater controller.
RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control NEW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015NV5BE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_RvYdwb6NQZPK2

This is an industrial controller and has saved the bacon of many an aquarium owner.

 

[Ahruk]

No, both the heaters that I've had (that I've seemed to malfunction) have been eihem jagers. They were never in the tank at the same time.

Also I'm kind of confused as to what that device exactly does... it doesn't really have any description on amazon.

 

[reefwiser]

It is a separate controller for heaters. It is used as a fail safe for aquarium heater. To stop a tank from over heating.

If you search this forum you will see this is a popular device
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Heater-controller??.200707/

 

[PatW]

The problem with heaters is that they have really cheap thermostats. So they often have problems with stability. Heaters are notorious for failing in the on position. Most reefers use a controller to turn off the heater at a certain point.

 

[FlyinBryan]

I use 2 100 watt heaters for my 150 in the event 1 fails on or one fails off, it should give me enough time to address issue. I personally wouldn't recommend having only 1 heater rated for your size tank. Because if it fails the failure will probably be very fast and catastrophic. Also, the heaters im running are just the ones you can get at a lfs or petsmart. They've worked well for years.
From what Ive heard the Cobalts have very good temp stability, however, I would recommend reading the reviews on these before purchasing.

 

[Ahruk]

Hmm.... I'm wondering if I should just try and get a used apex jr for xmas as opposed to spending $70 plus on the temperature controller and second heater.